Many people have new mantras and resolutions as they enter the New Year. Something all comic fans should do is always try new comics. For a thriving industry to continue to do so, fans must support as many kinds of comics as they can, and that includes Archie Comics. There are many ways to sample Archie Comics via Global Comix, Hoopla, and ComiXology Unlimited.
2026 promises to be a fantastic year for Archie, which is celebrating its 85th anniversary with a series of exciting events. Including Oni Press relaunching some iconic titles later this year. When was the last time you read an Archie Comic? Now is a fantastic time to read some!
First up is Archie: Best of 2016 Digest Annual, a delightful snapshot of a landmark year in Riverdale history. Celebrating Archie’s 75th anniversary, the digest captures the essence of what makes these stories timeless: humor, heart, and relatable teenage drama. The 348-page collection is packed with highlights from 2016, showcasing Archie’s awkward charm, Betty and Veronica’s spirited rivalry, and Jughead’s comedic brilliance.
What makes this trade stand out is its dual role—it honors the past while embracing the future. Readers get the familiar comfort of classic digest storytelling alongside nods to modern trends and the anticipation of Riverdale’s television debut. The anthology format ensures variety, making it easy to dip in and out while remaining cohesive enough to feel like a year-long celebration. Longtime fans will appreciate the nostalgic callbacks, while newcomers will find it an accessible entry point into Archie’s world. The humor remains sharp, the art vibrant, and the stories engaging across generations.
While many Silver Age comics haven’t aged particularly well, Archie Comics has fared better than most of its contemporaries. The Best of Archie Americana Vol. 2: Silver Age offers compelling evidence of this. This 416-page collection, published in 2018, assembles notable Archie stories from the 1960s and 1970s—an era when the series captured the cultural transformations happening across America. It is perfect for longtime fans and welcoming for new readers.
Okay, enough of delving into comic stories long ago! Let’s try something with a modern flavor, but still 100% of what one thinks of an Archie tale. I’m referring to the 2017 comic book The Archie’s One Shot, which offers a light, music-focused break from typical Riverdale tension and succeeds by embracing Archie’s earnest charm. His determination to turn his garage-band hopes into something tangible. Written by Alex Segura and Matthew Rosenberg and illustrated by Joe Eisma, the story follows Archie as he juggles songwriting, friendships, and the emotional ups and downs of pursuing a creative dream. Though it doesn’t aim for depth or innovation, the issue accomplishes what it sets out to do. It’s an uplifting, self-contained story that celebrates friendship, creative expression, and the uncomplicated pleasure of sharing music with those you care about.
Again, this year, Archie is celebrating 85 years! One of three publishers going since the Golden Age. Try some Archie—you might be surprised by how much fun they are to read!
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